A year ago, I was looking for a way to contribute to the Obama Campaign. I had been phone banking at MoveOn house parties, but I wanted to do more. Things were crazy then in Silicon Valley, there were lots of people jockeying for positions in the local campaign, and there was precious little information from Chicago.

Right now, I feel connected, empowered, and confident that whatever our opponents come up with, we can take them on, and we can win. We can win where the conventional wisdom says we can't. We can recruit, train, and deploy a volunteer army on an as needed basis. We can change minds by winning hearts. And we can be effective as we work Together.

Why do I feel this so strongly? I've been to Camp Obama. I supervised Data Managers in a Field Office. I attended house parties, phone banks, canvasses, and celebrations. I have seen for myself that when people know what they can do and how to do it, mountains move and progressive candidates and issues Win.

I want strong, clear, consistent leadership from the top of the organization on down. I also want anyone at the top level to listen to the grassroots and respect field experience. When it's my turn, I strive to deliver strength, clarity, and consistency in all directions from wherever I am in the structure. That's what you need to do too, because in the years ahead, we will win by effectively following and leading. Welcome to community organizing, and Welcome to Winning With Your Friends.